Method and apparatus for securing a shopping cart

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for securing a wheeled device such as a shopping cart is disclosed. In one embodiment, the securing structure comprises a depression formed in a support surface, such as a concrete or asphalt parking lot. The depression is configured to accept one or more wheels of a wheeled cart therein for restraining the cart. An advertising platform is located in the depression. The advertising platform bears advertising or other information. Another embodiment of the invention is an advertising platform for use with a cart securing structure which is mounted to a support surface. The platform may span the space between two securing structures, the platform having a top surface configured to bear advertising or other information.

PRIOR APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/699,580 filed Oct. 31, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/133,209 filed Apr. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.6,648,103, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/809,119 filed Mar. 14, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,331, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/396,658 filed Sep.15, 1999, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus forsecuring a wheeled device, and more particularly, to a method andapparatus for securing a shopping cart.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] When shopping at a retail establishment, a customer often wishesto obtain or purchase a number of goods. The customer may not be able tocarry all of the goods to the check-out area or to their car. In orderto alleviate this problem, many retail establishments provide shoppingbaskets or carts. A problem with baskets is that the customer still mustcarry the basket while shopping. If the customer shops for a long periodof time or if a number of goods are purchased, the customer may find ituncomfortable if not impossible to carry the basket and goods.

[0004] Wheeled shopping carts provide a storage area for the goods acustomer wishes to purchase and makes it easy for the customer totransport the goods. A customer pushes the cart about the establishment,placing goods in the cart along the way. Ultimately, the customer pushesthe cart placing goods in the cart along the way. Ultimately, thecustomer pushes the cart to a check-out or purchase point. Once thegoods have been paid for, the customer normally still needs a convenientmeans to transport the goods from the establishment, such as to theircar or home.

[0005] The parking areas of many establishments are often quite largeand the distance from the check-out area of the establishment to acustomer's car may be quite far. Usually, the retail establishmentpermits the customer to utilize the cart for this purpose. Afterpurchasing their goods, customers may push the loaded cart from theestablishment over a parking area to their car. The customer thenunloads the goods from the cart.

[0006] A problem now arises in that the cart is located outside of theestablishment. Most customers are unwilling to push the now empty cartback into the retail establishment, and thus the cart is left in theparking area. Because the cart is wheeled, once left unattended the cartmay roll about the parking lot. Wind and gravity may cause the cart toroll at various speeds and in a variety of directions.

[0007] The unattended or “runaway” cart as such carts are often referredto may roll away and be lost by the retail establishment, at great costto the establishment. Moreover, the carts may cause injury and damage.For example, the cart may roll into a vehicle parked in the parking lotand damage it. The carts may also roll into moving traffic or intopedestrians, also causing damage and injury. Because of the rather highincidence of damage caused by unattended carts, but not wishing to takeaway the convenience of providing the carts to customers, manyestablishments post signs warning that damage from run-away andunattended carts may cause damage and stating that the establishment isnot responsible for damage thereby. Nonetheless, retailers often havemany claims filed against them every year arising from runaway cartdamage and injury.

[0008] As one attempt to alleviate the above-stated problems, someestablishments have created cart return areas in their parking areas.These areas generally comprise an area closed on two or more sides byfence-like structures. It is intended that once a customer is done usinga cart, the customer will roll the cart to one of the semi-enclosed cartreturn areas.

[0009] There are several problems with this attempted solution. Theapparatus comprising the cart return normally comprises a tubularaluminum or other metal structure. The structure may be quite large andrelatively expensive. The cart return areas normally consume severalparking spaces in the parking area. Because of the size and cost, anestablishment may only provide one or two cart returns in their parkingarea.

[0010] Because of the limited number of cart returns and the likelihoodthat a cart return may still be a significant distance from a customer'scar, many customers still do not return their carts. In addition, theconfiguration of the cart return does not ensure that those carts whichare returned are secured. The semi-enclosed nature of the return permitscustomers to push the carts into the return area. The carts aregenerally secured by being prevented from rolling away by engaging aportion (such as a long horizontal rail) of the cart return structure.Because one or more portions of the cart return are open and the wheelsof the returned carts are not engaged, one or more carts may still rollout of the cart return area and into the main area of the parking lot.

[0011] Some security devices have been proposed to prevent customersfrom removing carts from the area of an establishment. Some of thesedevices are arranged to lock one or more wheels of the cart. Suchdevices are intended to prevent the theft or negligent removal of cartsand are not useful in solving the above-stated problem. First, thesedevices generally are arranged to “trigger” when the cart reaches anouter perimeter beyond which the customer is not permitted to travelwith the cart. It is not feasible to arrange such a device to triggeronce a cart is left unattended at any particular point in a parking lotto prevent the cart from rolling away once unattended. Once the lock istriggered, store/owner personnel must reset the lock in order for thecart to be useful. It is also not feasible to have an arrangement whereonce a cart is left unattended, such as in a parking lot after use, alock is triggered which must be reset in order for the cart to bereused. This arrangement would cause substantial time and money loss inresetting the locks.

[0012] A method and apparatus for securing a cart which overcomes theabove-stated problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention is a method and apparatus for securing ashopping or similar wheeled cart

[0014] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention there isprovided a cart securing structure for securing a cart having at leastone wheel. The cart securing structure comprises a body having a bottomsurface for engaging a support surface and a top surface defining atleast one first stop having a first face and a second face. The firstface slopes upwardly from the bottom surface towards the rear face anddefines a leading edge positioned near the support surface. The stopincludes an apex provided between the first and second faces, the secondface sloping downwardly from the apex. At least one securing element isprovided for securing the cart securing structure to a support surface.

[0015] In a method of use, one or more wheels of a cart are rolledupwardly along the sloping first face of the stop. The one or morewheels are rolled over the apex and into engagement with the secondface, preventing the cart from rolling away once unattended.

[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the cartsecuring structure includes a first stop and a second stop having atrough positioned therebetween for accepting at least one wheel of thecart between the first and second stop. The first stop has a first facesloping upwardly from the bottom surface over which a wheel of the cartmay be rolled and a second face sloping downwardly towards the troughfor engaging the wheel of the cart to prevent the cart from rollingaway. The second stop has a first surface sloping upwardly from thetrough for engaging a wheel of the cart to prevent the cart from rollingaway.

[0017] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, thecart securing structure includes a cover associated with the front faceof a first stop. The cart securing structure may also include sidemembers and/or upwardly extending markers.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method ofsecuring a cart securing structure of the invention to a supportsurface. In one method, the method comprises bolting the structure tothe support surface. The structure may include one or more bores throughwhich a fastener may pass for this purpose. In another method, thestructure is secured to the support surface with adhesive. The structuremay include one or more outwardly extending pins for orienting thestructure.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, the cart securingstructure includes a pair of stops which define an intermediate trough.Both stops have a front face or surface over which the wheels of a cartmay be rolled into the trough. In one embodiment, the stops aregenerally symmetrical to one another, and have front and rear faces withgenerally the same slope, permitting a user to engage a cart with thestructure from two sides.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cart securingstructure serves as an advertising platform. In one embodiment, thefront face of at least one of the stops includes a recessed area foraccepting an advertising placard or the like. In another embodiment, thecart securing structure includes a display system. The display systemincludes at least one active display such as an LCD. In one embodiment,the display system also includes a control system including acontroller, photocell, motion detector, power source and atransmitter/receiver. Data, such as advertising information, may betransmitted from a remote base to the cart securing structure via thetransmitter/receiver, with the controller causing the display to displaythe information.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the cart securingstructure comprises a depression formed in a support surface, such as aconcrete or asphalt parking lot. The depression has a bottom surface.Preferably, at least one edge of the bottom surface of the depression isat the same elevation as the support surface. At least a portion of thebottom surface is positioned below the support surface. The depressionis configured to accept one or more wheels of a wheeled cart therein forrestraining the cart.

[0022] Preferably, an advertising platform is located in the depression.The advertising platform bears advertising or other information, such asinformation printed on a sticker or label attached to thereto.

[0023] Another embodiment of the invention comprises an advertisingplatform for use with a cart securing structure of the invention. In oneembodiment, the advertising platform is configured to be mounted betweena pair of cart securing structures. The platform spans the space betweenthe two structures, and includes a top surface. The top surface ispreferably generally planar. Information, such as advertising, ispreferably displayed by the top surface, such as by a sticker applied tothe top surface.

[0024] In one embodiment, the advertising platform is used with a pairof cart-securing structures having a trough located between a first anda second stop. A portion of the platform engages, such as byoverlapping, the second stop of each securing structure, so that theplatform is effectively connected to both of the cart securingstructures.

[0025] Further objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention over the prior art will become apparent from the detaileddescription of the drawings which follows, when considered with theattached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shopping cart dock in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention;

[0027]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the shopping cart dockillustrated in FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shopping cart dock illustratedin FIG. 1 with a face cover thereof removed;

[0029]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the shopping cart dock illustrated inFIG. 1;

[0030]FIG. 5(a) illustrates an anchor useful in mounting the shoppingcart dock illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0031]FIG. 5(b) illustrates a bolt useful with the anchor illustrated inFIG. 5(a) in mounting the shopping cart dock illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0032]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shopping cart dock in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention;

[0033]FIG. 7 is a side view of the shopping cart dock illustrated inFIG. 6;

[0034]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the shopping cart dock illustrated inFIG. 6;

[0035]FIG. 9(a) illustrates an anchor useful in mounting the shoppingcart dock illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0036]FIG. 9(b) illustrates a bolt useful with the anchor illustrated inFIG. 9(a) in mounting the shopping cart dock illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0037]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shopping cart dock inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0038]FIG. 11 is a side view of the shopping cart dock illustrated inFIG. 10;

[0039]FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the shopping cart dock illustrated inFIG. 10;

[0040]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment cart dock inaccordance with the invention;

[0041]FIG. 14 is a side view of the cart dock illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0042]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cartdock in accordance with the invention;

[0043]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of thecart dock in accordance with the invention, the cart dock including anactive display;

[0044]FIG. 17 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of a displaysystem including the display of the cart dock illustrated in FIG. 16;

[0045]FIG. 18 illustrates yet another embodiment cart dock in accordancewith the invention, the cart dock including a depression in a supportsurface;

[0046]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an advertising platform utilizedwith a pair of cart docks in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

[0047]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the advertising platformand cart docks illustrated in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The present invention is an apparatus and method for securing awheeled device such as a shopping cart. In the following description,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a morethorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownfeatures have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theinvention.

[0049] In general, the apparatus of the invention comprises a cart dockand a method of use which are particularly adapted to securing a wheeledcart. The term “cart securing structure” is also used herein to referthe cart dock apparatus.

[0050] The carts which may be secured using the apparatus of theinvention are well known. In general, carts known as “shopping carts”found at groceries and similar retailers comprise a frame structuresupporting a basket in which goods may be placed. The frame is generallyconstructed of metal, while the basket may be constructed of metal orplastic. The frame structure is rollably supported by four (4) wheels 41(one of which is illustrated in FIG. 2). The four wheels are arrangedwith two (2) wheels provided at a front portion of the cart and two (2)wheels provided at a rear portion of the cart. The front wheels aregenerally pivotally mounted for steering the cart. The front wheels aregenerally spaced about 8-11 inches apart, while the rear wheels aregenerally spaced about 18-21 inches apart. Each wheel generallycomprises a rubber tire mounted on a metal hub, the overall diameter ofeach wheel generally being about 5 inches. Generally, the front wheelsare located along a common axis, as are the rear wheels.

[0051] Of course, the particular dimensions of the carts and thearrangements may vary. For example, as described below, the apparatus ofthe present invention is useful with flat-bed and other carts. Suchcarts are commonly found at lumber yards and the like. These carts mayhave front and rear wheels separated by a much larger distance than theabove-described carts. The wheels of these carts may also be larger.These carts may include additional front and/or rear wheels (such asthree front wheels) or even additional wheels at other locations.

[0052] Referring first to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a cart dock 20of the invention comprises a body having a bottom surface 22 (see FIG.4) and a top surface 24. The body includes a first stop 26 and a secondstop 28 spaced from one another. The first stop 26 has a first or frontface or surface 30 and a second or rear face or surface 32. The secondstop 28 has a first or front face or surface 34 and a second or rearface or surface 36. The front face 34 of the second stop 28 faces therear face 32 of the first stop 26.

[0053] The front face 30 of the first stop 26 comprises a surface whichslopes and/or angles upwardly from the bottom surface 22. Theintersection of the bottom surface 22 with the front face 30 of thefirst stop 26 defines a leading edge 38. Preferably, the leading edge 38is positioned near a support surface when the cart dock 20 is mountedfor use. The front face 30 is sloped rearwardly towards the second stop28 for accommodating the rolling of a shopping cart wheel 41 upwardlythe front face 30. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1, the frontface 30 is curved.

[0054] The first stop 26 has an apex 40 formed between the front face 30and rear face 32. The apex 40 is preferably somewhat rounded tofacilitate the rolling of a wheel 41 of a shopping cart thereover.

[0055] The rear face 32 is positioned generally opposite the front face30 and slopes downwardly from the apex 40. The slope and shape of therear face 32 is selected to make difficult the passage of a wheel 41 ofa shopping cart in the direction towards the front face 30. In otherwords, the first stop 26 is configured to easily permit a wheel 41 of ashopping cart to be rolled over the front face 30 towards the rear face32, but to generally prevent movement of the wheels in the reversedirection. In this regard, in the arrangement illustrated, the rear face32 of the first stop 26 is somewhat concave, defining a recessed area 42for accepting a portion of a wheel 41 of a shopping cart. In thearrangement illustrated, it is desirable for the front face 30 to have aslope which is less than the slope of the rear face 32 (ex. averagefront face slope 60 degrees and average rear face slope of 80 degrees).

[0056] The front face 34 of the second stop 28 is also arranged to madedifficult the rolling of a wheel 41 of a shopping cart thereover. Inthis regard, the front face 34 rises upwardly and has a slope and shapesomewhat similar to the rear face 32 of the first stop 26.

[0057] The second stop 28 has an apex 44 formed between the front face34 and rear face 36. The apex 44 is preferably somewhat rounded tofacilitate the rolling of a wheel 41 of a shopping cart thereover.

[0058] The rear face 36 of the second stop 28 is generally locatedopposite the first face 34 and slopes downwardly from the apex 44. Inthe embodiment illustrated, the rear face 36 comprises a generallyvertically extending wall. The rear face 36 may be sloped at other thana ninety (90) degree angle. In general, it is preferable for the rearface 36 to have a shape which deters a user from rolling a wheel 41 of ashopping cart thereover in the direction of the first stop 26. When therear face 36 is generally vertical, this is effectuated.

[0059] A trough 46 is defined between the first stop 26 and the secondstop 28. In the area of the trough 46, the top surface 24 of the dock 20is closer to the bottom surface 22 than the apex 40 of the first stop 26and the apex 44 of the second stop 28. The trough 46 preferably has awidth or distance between the front face 34 of the second stop 28 andthe rear face 32 of the first stop 26 to permit placement of a wheel 41of a shopping cart therein.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated, the body has to opposing ends 47a,b and both stops 26,28 and the trough 46 extend the length of the bodyfrom end 47 a to end 47 b. This arrangement is desirable since itpermits a user to push a cart into engagement with the dock 20 at anypoint along the dock 20.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, where the wheel 41 of the shoppingcart with which the dock 20 is to be used is approximately five (5)inches in diameter, the dock 20 has the following dimensions: height ofthe apex 40 from the bottom surface 22, approximately three (3) inches;height of the apex 44 from the bottom surface 22, approximately one andone-half (1.5) inches; and the distance between the first and secondstops 26,28 approximately eight (8) inches.

[0062] Preferably the width of the dock 20 from end 47 a to end 47 b issufficient to accommodate both the front and/or back wheels 41 of ashopping cart. For example, in the case where the front wheels of ashopping cart are spaced by about 8-11 inches, then the width of thedock 20 may be about twenty (20) inches. Such a width is common forshopping carts provided at grocery stores. In the case where the frontwheels of a shopping cart are spaced by a greater distance, the width ofthe dock 20 may be about thirty (30) inches. The greater width dock 20may be advantageous in accommodating flat-bed and similar high capacitycarts provided at some establishments, such as lumber yards.

[0063] One or more mounting elements are provided for securing the cartdock 20 to a mounting or support surface. The support surface maycomprise an asphalt or cement parking lot or any of a variety of othersurfaces where a cart is used and where it is desirable to secure thecart.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5(a) and (b), when the cart dock 20 is to besecured to a paved or other hard surface (such as concrete, rock,asphalt, tile or the like), the mounting elements may comprise anchors50 and bolts 52. The anchors 50 are placed in bores in the supportsurface. The bolts 52 then engage one or more portions of the dock 20and an anchor 50, securing the dock 20 to the support surface.

[0065] In the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the cart dock 20 hasnine (9) bores provided therein through which a bolt 52 or similarthreaded fastener may extend. Three (3) bores 54 a are provided inspaced relation through the trough 46 portion of the dock 20 near thesecond stop 28. Three (3) bores 54 b are provided in recessed areas 57provided in the front face 30 of the first stop 26. Three (3) bores 54 care provided in association with key-ways 56 provided in the bottomsurface 22 of the dock 20 generally beneath the first stop 26.

[0066] The bores 54 a provided in the trough 46 portion are generallycylindrical for passage of a bolt 52 therethrough. The recessed areas 57comprise narrow openings having a generally flat surface through whichthe bores 54 b extend. Each bore 54 c is associated with a key-way 56having an adjoining narrow slot.

[0067] The cart dock 20 may be constructed in a variety of manners andfrom a variety of materials. Preferably, the dock 20 is constructed of adurable, weather-resistant material and a material which has a “memory”in that it retains it shape. Because of the use environment of the dock20, the dock 20 may be driven upon by vehicles. It is desirable for thedock 20 to be flexible enough to yield and both not break or causedamage to a vehicle, and at the same time return to its original shapeto function effectively. In one or more embodiments, the dock 20 may beinjection molded of a polypropylene or similar material.

[0068] If the dock 20 is injection molded, the dock 20 may be madehollow to reduce its weight and cost. In such event, one or more ribs orreinforcing structure may be provided (such as inside the hollow areasof the dock 20) for strengthening it.

[0069] To make the dock 20 readily visible at night, the dock 20 may bemade to reflect and/or transmit light. In one arrangement, a reflectiveand/or light emitting material, such as a coating, may be provided onthe dock 20. In another arrangement, the material may be added to orcomprise a part of the material which forms the dock 20 (i.e. such asadded into plastic when molded). The dock 20 may be made in a variety ofcolors.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the cart dock 20 includes a facecover 48, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cover 48 is associatedwith the front face 30 of the first stop 26. In one embodiment, thecover 48 comprises a relatively flexible synthetic material which isapproximately the same size and shape as the front face 30 of the firststop 26 (i.e. in this case, curved). As illustrated, the cover 48 may beremovably mounted to the dock 20 with a tab which engages a small groovein the front face 30 of the first stop 26. The cover 48 may be removableattachable with hook and loop type fasteners, snaps, or other means wellknown to those of skill in the art.

[0071] In one or more arrangements, the front face 30 may have an insetor depressed area for accepting the cover 48. This arrangement has theadvantage of inlaying or insetting the cover 48 into the surface 30 in amanner which aids in protecting the cover 48 (such as by preventing thecover 48 from being caught in the wheels 41 of a cart).

[0072] In one embodiment, the cover 48 comprises a generally transparentmaterial having a reflective or light transmitting material associatedtherewith (one such material is known as “day-glow”). In this manner,the cover 48 is illuminated at night or reflects light when a headlightof an automobile shines thereon, making the dock 20 readily visible. Thecover 48 may also have printing thereon. The printing may compriseadvertising or instructions. Because the cover 48 is removable, newadvertising or announcements may be provided on the dock 20 at varioustime intervals.

[0073] In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provideda method of mounting the cart dock 20. In accordance with the method,bores are provided in the support surface. The bores may be drilled ormay be provided when the surface is constructed (such as when pouringconcrete). An anchor 50 is provided in each bore. A bolt 52 is connectedto each anchor 50 associated with the three bores 54 c. The dock 20 isplaced on the surface with these three bolts 52 extending through thebores 54 c of the key-way 56. The dock 20 is then moved horizontally,sliding the bolts 52 along the slot portion of the key-ways 56 so thatthese three bolts 52 engage the slots of the key ways 56. Bolts 52 arethen passed through the bores 54 a, 54 b (from the top side of the cartdock 20) into the associated anchors 50. There may be a greater orlesser number of fasteners used to secure the cart dock 20.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, a cart dock 20 is provided inassociation with individual parking stalls of a parking lot. Forexample, the dock 20 may be secured to the support surface at a frontcorner of each marked parking stall.

[0075] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there isprovided a method of using the cart dock 20. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2,when a user/customer has completed using a cart, the user pushes thecart to the dock 20 (such as at the front of their car at the front ofthe parking stall). The user pushes the front wheels 41 of the cart upthe front face 30 of the first stop 26. The wheels 41 roll over the apex40 and into the trough 46 between the first and second stops 26,28. Atthis time, the cart is secured and the customer need not attend to thecart further. The front wheels 41 of the cart are secured between thefirst and second stops 26,28.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, in one or more embodiments, the dock 20 mayinclude side members 58. The side members 58 may comprise thinplate-like members which are attached to each end 47 a, 47 b of the dock20. The side members 58 may be removable attachable, such as with snaps,screws or other means well known to those of skill in the art. The dock20 may also be constructed with the side members 58 as integral (such asduring a molding process). In general, the side members 58 are arrangedto prevent the wheels 41 of a cart from rolling out of the trough 46along its length (i.e. at ends 47 a, 47 b). The side members 58 may beespecially useful when a dock 20 is used on a support surface which issloped in a direction parallel to a length of the dock 20 from end 47 ato end 47 b.

[0077] As also illustrated in FIG. 3, in one or more embodiments, thedock 20 may include one or more upwardly extending markers 60. Eachmarker 60 may comprise a flexible plastic, fiberglass or similar pole.Each marker 60 may be constructed of a variety of materials and be of avariety of sizes. Each marker 60 may be arranged to be press fit into abore provided in the top surface 24 of the dock 20. The markers 60 maybe useful in identifying the location of the cart dock 20, such as whena layer of snow covers the cart dock. To make the markers 60 morevisible, they may be constructed from or have a reflective materialassociated therewith.

[0078] The dock 20 may have other dimensions and shapes than describedabove. For example, if being used with carts having bigger diameterwheels, first and second stops 26,28 may be taller. When the dock 20 hassides, the dock 20 may be molded, generally having a block-like formwith a slanted or sloped front surface leading to a top surface having atrough formed therein. The trough may be positioned between (i.e. notextending the full length between) opposing ends 47 a,b of the dock 20,thereby forming an enclosed area for retaining the wheels 41 of thecart.

[0079] The means for securing the cart dock 20 to a support surface maycomprise other than the anchors 50 and bolts 52. For example, otherthreaded fasteners such as screws (such as when the dock 20 is beingsecured to a wooden support surface) may be used. The cart dock 20 maybe staked to the support surface. One or more spikes or similar elementsmay be arranged to protrude from the bottom surface 22 of the dock 20and be driven into the support surface.

[0080] As described in detail below with reference to the embodiment ofthe invention illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the cart dock 20 may be gluedor otherwise adhered to the surface. In this arrangement, no bores needto be provided through the body of the cart dock 20 for the fasteners.

[0081] If sufficiently weighted, the cart dock 20 may be secured to thesupport surface with gravity. For example, the cart dock 20 may befilled with water. To improve the adherence of the cart dock 20 to thesupport surface, the bottom surface 22 may be specially configured. Forexample, the bottom surface 22 may have ridges or another high-frictionconfiguration.

[0082] The dock 20 as described above has many advantages. The cart dock20 is effective in retaining an unattended shopping cart in a fixedposition. Unlike cart “corrals,” the wheels of the cart are engaged andprevent the cart from rolling away. Unlike wheel locks, the cart issimply unsecured by rolling its wheels out of engagement with the cartdock 20.

[0083] Because of its size and configuration, a cart dock 20 can beassociated with many, if not every, parking space of a parking lot (i.e.such as a front left or right corner of each marked parking spot). Inthis manner, a cart dock 20 is conveniently provided next to every cartuser's cart. This increases the likelihood that a cart user will returnthe cart to the cart dock 20 and render it secure. Numerous cart docks20 can be provided at less cost than a single cart “corral” of the priorart.

[0084] Cart docks 20 can be placed in alignment at the front corner ofeach parking spot and in such a manner constitute visual “dividers” forthe lot. This makes it easier for a customer to navigate the parking lotand may reduce the possibility of customers driving randomly throughparking lots and causing accidents with vehicles operated within themarked lanes. As may be appreciated, many drivers do not follow parkinglot painted markings. However, such drivers may be less inclined tocross the painted markings and drive randomly if such also causes themto have to drive over one or more cart docks 20.

[0085] Because of the ease of using the cart dock 20, damage and injurycaused by runaway unattended carts may be reduced. The reduced financiallosses associated with lost carts and other damage and injury isbeneficial to the establishment and may even pay for the cart docks 20.

[0086] The embodiment of the cart dock 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 wherethe trough 46 extends from end 47 a to end 47 b has the advantage thatwater and other material and debris is not retained or trapped in thedock 20. As may be appreciated, this is advantageous since it isundesirable for the cart wheels to be placed into standing water and thelike. Further, the water could become stagnant and contaminated. In thearrangement of the invention where the trough 46 does not extend fromend to end 47 a, 47 b or side members 58 are provided, it is desirableto provide one or more drains or outlets through which water and othermaterial may be routed away from the dock 20.

[0087] As illustrated, the stops 26,28 and trough 46 are longitudinallyextending from end to end 47 a, 47 b of the dock 20. The stops 26,28 andtrough 46 generally define planar, solid uninterrupted surfaces forcontacting the wheels 41 of a cart (preferably, the recessed areas 57are narrower than the width of the wheel of a cart). The elongate natureof the stops 26,28 and trough 46, as stated above, makes it easy for theuser to dock a cart, since the user does not have to “line-up” the wheelof the cart with a specific area of the dock 20. The user may roll acart into engagement with the dock 20 anywhere along its length. Infact, a user may secure a cart by engaging just one (1) of the wheels ofa cart.

[0088] A user can secure a cart by engaging the rear wheel(s) of thecart instead of the front wheel(s). Further, though not desirable (sincethe cart may then protrude into a portion of an adjoining parking spaceor the like) a user may secure a cart by rolling the wheel(s) 41 of acart over the second stop 28 and into engagement with the trough 46.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, a dock 120 in accordance with a secondembodiment of the invention will be described. In accordance with thisembodiment, the dock 120 has a single stop 126. The stop 126 has a frontface 130 and a rear face 132. The single stop 126 is preferably shapedsimilar to the first stop 26 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.The front face 130 is sloped and arranged to permit the wheel(s) of acart to be rolled thereover. The rear face 132 is arranged to engage thewheel of a cart to prevent it from rolling.

[0090] In this embodiment, the dock 120 includes two rows of bores 154b, 154 c for mounting the dock 120 to a support surface with anchors 150and bolts 154. The dock 120 also includes a removable cover 148.

[0091] The cart dock 120 of this embodiment of the invention may besimilarly sized as the cart dock 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The cart dock120 may also be mounted to a support surface in a variety ofconfigurations and be configured and constructed from and in the varietyof manners described with respect to the cart dock 20. The cart dock 120may include side members and/or markers as described above, as well as afront cover 148.

[0092] In a method of use of this embodiment cart dock 120, a user rollsone or more wheels of a cart upwardly along the front face 130 of thestop 126. The user rolls the one or more wheels over the apex 140 andpermits the one or more wheels to engage the rear face 132 of the stop126. Once engaged, the cart is secured.

[0093] As may be appreciated, when a cart is to be secured on a verysloped surface, use of the cart dock 20 is most effective in securingthe cart since the one or more wheels of the cart are prevented fromrolling in both the forward and reverse directions. If the cart dock 20is used on a sloping surface, it is desirable to secure the cart dock 20so that the rear face 132 of the stop 126 faces up the slope, and sogravity tends to pull the wheels of the cart into engagement with therear face 132 of the stop 126.

[0094] This embodiment of the cart dock 120 may be less expensive andcomplex to manufacture. Because of its reduced size and weight, thisembodiment dock 120 may also be less expensive to ship.

[0095] Another embodiment of a cart dock 220 in accordance with thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. This embodiment cartdock 220 is similar in many respects to the cart dock 20 in overallconfiguration and method of use.

[0096] The cart dock 220 includes a body having a bottom surface 222,top surface 224, first stop 226 and second stop 228. In this embodimentof the invention, a first or front surface 230 of the first stop 226comprises a surface having a fixed, single slope (i.e. not curved, butflat angled). The second or rear surface 232 of the first stop 226comprises a generally vertically extending ledge. Similarly, the frontor first surface 234 of the second stop 228 comprises a generallyvertically extending ledge or wall.

[0097] The cart dock 220 includes means for securing the body to asupport surface. In this embodiment, the means comprises one or morepins 260 which extend from the bottom surface of the body. Asillustrated, there are four pins 260, one pin each provided at a cornerof the body. Each pin 260 is preferably tapered and extends aboutone-half to three (0.5 to 3) or more inches outwardly from the body.

[0098] Preferably, this embodiment cart dock 220 is secured to a supportsurface with an adhesive. When the cart dock 220 is to be secured to aconcrete, asphalt or similar surface, the adhesive may comprise ahot-set latex/asphalt type adhesive. Of course, other adhesive materialsmay be used, including glues and the like. It is also possible to securethis embodiment cart dock 220 to a surface with other than adhesive,such as described above.

[0099] In order to improve the adherence of the cart dock 220 to thesupport surface, the bottom surface 222 includes a number of ribs 262.The ribs 262 may comprise elements which provide reinforcement for thebody when the body is molded and partially hollow. The spacedarrangement of the ribs 262 creates recessed areas therebetween in whichadhesive may flow, providing better adhesion of the dock 220. In thearea of the trough 246, the ribs 262 preferably extend outwardlysufficient to create recessed areas.

[0100] The bottom surface 222 may include one or more pads 266 forproviding solid support for the body. As illustrated, the flat pads 266are provided adjacent the pins 260 and in one or more areas between thepins.

[0101] It will be appreciated that the cart dock 120 may be similarlyconfigured to the cart dock 220, such as by having a generally planarsloping front face, one or more pins extending outwardly for use insecuring the dock 120 or the like.

[0102] In a method of securing this embodiment cart dock 220, bores arepreferably provided in the support surface, the bores sized to acceptthe pins 260. The bores may be provided with a drill or the like using atemplate of the pin positions. The adhesive may then be placed on thesupport surface and the bottom surface 222 of the body. The pins 260 ofthe cart dock 220 are then inserted into the bores, properly positioningthe cart dock 220 in the desired location and adhering it to the supportsurface.

[0103] In accordance with this method of securing the dock 220 and itsconfiguration, no recesses (for providing access to fastener insertionholes) need to be provided in the front face of the first stop 226. Thismakes construction of the dock 220 simpler and renders the front face amore contiguous surface over which cart wheels may be rolled.

[0104] In order to reduce the space occupied by multiple units of thecart dock 220 when being shipped and/or stored, one or more bores 264may be provided in or through the top surface 224 of the cart dock 220for mating engagement with the pins 260 of an adjacent cart dock 220.The bores 264 are preferably arranged to accept the pins 260 of a cartdock 220 which is positioned thereabove. In this manner, the cart docks220 may be stacked vertically in a manner which reduces the totalvertical stacking height. In order to prevent water from filling thebores 264, one or more drain holes, slots or the like may be providedthrough the pins 260.

[0105] The stacking bores 264 may be arranged to accept a marker (seeFIG. 2). The depth and size of the bores 264 may vary dependent upon thedesired stacking heights, sizes of the pins 260 and markers and otherfactors which will be appreciated to those of skill in the art.

[0106] An advantage of this embodiment cart dock 220 is that a flat facecover (not shown, but similar to cover 48 illustrated in FIG. 1) may beprovided for positioning on the front face 230 of the first stop 226. Asillustrated, small bores 268 may be provided for accepting pins or otherprotrusions (not shown) of the cover. This permits covers to beselectively attached and removed. Because the cover may be constructedflat, its manufacture may be simplified, as may be printing on it.

[0107] Another embodiment of a cart dock 320 in accordance with thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. This embodimentcart dock 320 has many similar features to the cart docks describedabove, and some additional features. The cart dock 320 again comprises abody which includes or defines spaced first and second stops 326,328. Asin the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the first stop 326 defines afront face 330 and a rear face 332. As best illustrated in FIG. 14, inthis embodiment the front and rear faces 330,332 are both generallyplanar and slope at generally the same angle with respect to horizontal.

[0108] The front face 330 slopes upwardly from a leading edge 338 to anapex 340. The rear face 332 slopes downwardly from the apex 340 to atrough 346. The trough 346 is again located between the first and secondstops 326,328.

[0109] In this embodiment, a portion of the trough 346 comprises avoidor aperture between the first and second stops 326,328 in the dock 320.The aperture extends entirely through the dock 320 from the top surfacethrough to the bottom surface. When placed on a support surface, a lowersurface of this portion of the trough 346 is actually defined by asupport surface on which the dock 320 is positioned rather than asurface of the dock 320 itself.

[0110] As illustrated, first and second sidewalls 358 a,358 b extendbetween the first stop 326 and the second stop 328. As detailed below,the side walls 358 a,b have a variety of functions, including connectingthe portions of the body defining the first and second stops 326,328.The sidewalls 358 a,b each extend upwardly generally vertically.

[0111] As illustrated, the second stop 328 has a front face 334 and arear face 336. In one or more embodiments, the front and rear faces334,336 are generally vertically extending surfaces. In one embodiment,the height of the apex 340 of the first stop 326 and the height of thesecond stop 328 are about 1.6 inches. Of course, the height of the stops326,328 may vary dependent upon the application (including the size ofthe wheels of the cart to be retained).

[0112] In one embodiment, one or more cut-outs or recesses 359 areprovided in a lower or bottom surface 322 of the dock 320. Thesecut-outs 359 define passageways under the dock 320 allowing water andother material to flow between a support surface and the dock 320. Asillustrated, one or more cut-outs 359 may extend under the sidewalls 358a,b thus defining a pathway from the open interior of the trough 346 tothe exterior of the dock 320. As also illustrated, one or more cut-outs359 may extend longitudinally under the first stop 326 from end-to-end.Cut-outs 359 may also be provided which extend under the first andsecond stops 326,328 from the aperture to a point exterior to the dock320.

[0113] In similar fashion to the cart dock 220 illustrated in FIG. 10,the cart dock 320 includes one or more pins or spikes 360 for use insecuring the dock 320 to a support surface. Of course, other means ofattaching or securing the dock 220 to a support surface may be provided.

[0114] In one embodiment, a recessed area 331 is provided in the frontface 330 of the first stop 326. The recessed area 331 comprises aslightly depressed area. In one embodiment, the recessed area 331 isgenerally rectangular in shape similar to the front face 330, but isslightly smaller in dimension. The recessed area 331 is adapted toreceive a placard, sign or the like therein. It is desirable that theplacard or the like have a thickness about the same as the depth of therecessed area 331, such that when the placard is placed therein, thefront face 330 including the placard is generally smooth and contiguous.As described above, such a placard may be of a variety of types, andinclude advertising or other messages, business or product logos,information, artwork and the like. As illustrated, the cart dock 20 isarranged to receive placards in a removable fashion, permitting theirreplacement or exchange.

[0115] Use of the cart dock 320 is similar to the use of the cart dock20 illustrated in FIG. 1. One particular advantage of the cart dock 320of this embodiment relates to the construction of the trough 346.Because the trough 346 in part is defined by a void in the dock 320, theamount of material necessary to construct the cart dock 320 is reduced.This reduces the cost of manufacture and shipping of the dock 320. Atthe same time, the effectiveness of the dock 320 in retaining a cart isnot reduced.

[0116] Another advantage of the cart dock 320 is that water, oil and thelike is not trapped in the trough 346. Instead, these materials aredirected to the support surface and then under the dock 320 through thecut-outs 359 to the exterior of the dock 320.

[0117] As in the prior embodiments, the cart dock 320 is preferably hassufficient length to engage both the front or both of the rear wheels ofa cart at the same time. In use, a user rolls the wheels of the cartover the first stop 326 and into the trough 346. The wheels of the cartare retained in the trough 346 between the first and second stops326,328. Generally, the wheels of the cart will rest upon the supportsurface while positioned in the trough 346. Movement of the wheels alongand out of the trough 346 at the ends of the dock 320 is prevented bythe side walls 358 a,b.

[0118] Depending upon the construction of the dock 320, a lip 361 isformed around the aperture which forms a portion of the trough 346. Asillustrated, the void is generally rectangular in shape. The lip 361 isa ledge at the termination of the material forming the dock 320 and theaperture there through. The lip 361 defines at least a portion of theperimeter of the aperture. In one embodiment, such as illustrated, thelip 361 extends inwardly from the side walls 358 a,b and second stop 328defining a ledge or platform. The lip 361 serves to increase thestrength of the dock 320 and to prevent the bending and other movementof portions thereof relative to others. In addition, the lip 361 alsoserves as a small stop which inhibits movement of the wheels of a cartresting upon the support surface within the trough 346.

[0119] Another embodiment of a cart dock 420 in accordance with thepresent invention is illustrated in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, thecart dock 420 is generally symmetrically configured and is specificallyadapted to permit the wheels of a cart to be rolled into engagement fromeither side of the cart dock 420. In other embodiments, the cart dock420 may be asymmetrical, but still provide this function.

[0120] In the embodiment illustrated, the cart dock 420 again comprisesa body having a bottom surface 422 and a top surface 424. Having thesymmetrical design as illustrated, the cart dock 420 again includes afirst stop 426 and a second stop 428, but these stops are generallyidentical in shape. The first stop 426 has a front face 430 and a rearface 432. Similarly, the second stop 428 has a front face 429 and a rearface 431. In one embodiment, the front and rear faces 429,430,431, and432 of both the first stop 426 and the second stop 428 generally slopeat the same angle.

[0121] The front face 430 of the first stop 426 and the front face 429of the second stop 428 again comprises a surface which slopes and/orangles upwardly from a leading edge to an apex 436,437. This surface isdesigned to permit the wheels of a cart to be rolled upwardly along thesurface from the leading edge to the apex 436,437.

[0122] The rear face 432 of the first stop 426 and the rear face 431 ofthe second stop 428 slopes downwardly from the apex 436,437 to a trough438. In this embodiment, the trough 438 is located between the two stops426,428.

[0123] In one embodiment, a pair of voids or apertures 440,441 arelocated in the trough 438 between the two stops 426,428 of the cart dock420. In another embodiment, there may be a single aperture or more thantwo apertures. In the preferred embodiment, two apertures 440,441 areprovided since they advantageously correspond to a pair of wheels of acart which is docked to the cart dock 420.

[0124] The apertures 440,441 extend entirely through the cart dock 420from the top surface 424 to the bottom surface 422. It will beappreciated that when the cart dock 420 is placed on a support surface,a terminus of each of the apertures 440,441 is defined by the supportsurface on which the cart dock 420 is positioned rather than a surfaceof the cart dock itself.

[0125] In one embodiment, side walls may extend upwardly from the trough438 between the first and second stops 426,428. These side walls mayhave a variety of shapes and functions, including connecting the firstand second stops 426,428 and providing additional structural rigidity tothe cart dock 420.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment, a recessed area 442 is provided in thefront face 430 of the first stop 426 and a recessed area 444 is providedin the front face 429 of the second stop 428. The recessed areas 442,444comprise a slightly depressed area. In one embodiment, the recessedareas 442,444 are rectangular and adapted to receive a placard or thelike, such as for displaying information or advertising.

[0127] It will be appreciated that the use of this cart dock 420 issimilar to use of the cart dock 20 in FIG. 1. This cart dock 420 isparticular suited to having the wheels of a cart secured by rolling thewheels over either of the first or second stops 426,428 into engagementwith the trough 438. For example, the wheels of a cart may be rolledupwardly along the front face 430 of the first stop 426 and down intothe trough 438. In that position, the wheels of the cart are securedbetween the two stops 426,428, and in particular the rear faces 431,432of those stops. Likewise, the wheels of a cart may be rolled into asimilar position by rolling the wheels upwardly along the front face 429of the second stop 428.

[0128] As indicated, in the illustrated embodiment, the slope of thefront 429,430 and the rear faces 431,432 of both the first and secondstops 426,428 is generally the same. In other embodiments, the slopes ofthe front and rear faces may be different. For example, the rear faces431,432 may be steeper. Also, the slopes of the faces 429,430 of thefirst and second stops 426,428, as well as the heights of those stops donot necessary need to be the same. For example, if the cart dock 420 isto be used on a sloping surface, the height and steepness of the facesof the “downslope” stop may be increased.

[0129] As described above, the cart dock 420 is particularly suited foruse as an advertising or informational platform. For example, asdescribed above, advertising may be associated with the sloping face ofthe stop or stops of the cart dock. The advertising or other informationmay be printed on a placard or similar element which is affixed to thecart dock.

[0130] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the cart dockof the invention may include a display. FIG. 16 illustrates oneembodiment of a cart dock 520 including a display system including anactive display 522.

[0131] The cart dock 520 illustrated in FIG. 16 is similar in overallconfiguration to the cart dock 320 described above. It will beappreciated that this aspect of the invention may be applied to any ofthe embodiments of cart docks specifically described herein or otherwisein accordance with the invention.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, the active display 522 is associatedwith a front face 528 of the cart dock 520. The active display 522comprises a means for displaying information. In a preferred embodimentthe display is “active” in that the information which is displayed maybe readily changed.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the active display 522 is an LCDdisplay. In one or more embodiments, the active display 522 may compriseplasma, LED, CRT or other types of displays now known or laterdeveloped. It will be appreciated that the particular type andconfiguration of the display which is utilized is dependent in part uponits application, including the size and shape of the cart dock withwhich it is associated. Preferably, the display 522 has a generallyplanar front face or is located behind or beneath a clear or opaquemember, so that the front face 528 of the cart dock 520 facilitates therolling of the wheels of a cart thereover in the manner described ingreater detail above. At the same time, however, the display ispreferably readily visible to a user or viewer of the cart dock 520.

[0134] In one embodiment, the display system of the cart dock 520includes various components for controlling the operation of the activedisplay 522. FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of a control system forthe active display 522. In the embodiment illustrated, the systemincludes a controller 524, a power source 526, a motion detector 530 anda transmitter 532.

[0135] In a preferred embodiment, the controller 524 comprises aprocessor or similar element. The controller 524 may comprise hardwareand/or software. The processor provides a processing environment wherebyvarious outputs are generated in response to various inputs. In oneembodiment, the inputs may comprise a signal from the transmitter 532,motion detector 530, photocell 534 or other elements.

[0136] In general, the controller 524 is preferably configured tocontrol the operation of the activity display 522. The method and meansof control may be by preprogrammed control strategy based upon variousinputs and desired outputs. The control strategy may be preprogrammedor, in one embodiment, updated or implemented from a remote location.

[0137] In this regard, the controller 524 may include a memory forstoring control code. As indicated, however, the programming may beimplemented as hardware.

[0138] In one embodiment, the various components of the system,including the display 522, are powered by a power source 526. In oneembodiment, the power source 526 comprises a battery mounted to the cartdock 520.

[0139] In one embodiment, the photocell 534 comprises a means fordetecting whether the cart dock 520 is exposed to light or not. Thephotocell 534 may be configured to provide one or more signals to thecontroller 524 to indicate this condition. For example, the photocell534 may provide an output when it is exposed to light, while it providesno output when it is not exposed to light. As illustrated in FIG. 16,the photocell 534 is preferably mounted to the cart dock 520, such as atthe front face 528.

[0140] The controller 524 preferably utilizes the output from thephotocell 534 to control the active display 522. In one embodiment, thecontroller 524 may turn the active display 522 off when the photocell534 indicates that it is dark, thus conserving power. In one embodiment,the active display 522 may be back-lit or comprise a type of displaywhich is readable without ambient light. In one embodiment, thecontroller 524 may cause, for example, the active display 522 to beback-lit when it is dark, but cause the active display 522 to operatewithout back-lighting and conserve energy when it is light out.

[0141] In one embodiment, the motion detector 530 comprises a means forsensing the movement of an object in the vicinity of the cart dock 520.Like the photocell 534, the motion detector 530 may provide one or moreoutput signals to the controller 524. In one embodiment, when the motiondetector 530 senses motion, it provides a signal to the controller 524.In response, the controller 524 may be configured to cause the activedisplay 522 to operate for a predetermined period of time. Once thatpredetermined period of time expires, the active display 522 may beturned off to conserve energy.

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the motion detector 530 is mounted tothe cart dock 520. In one embodiment, the motion detector 530 is locatedat the front face 528 of the cart dock 520. The motion detector 530 maybe mounted in other locations. Mounting at the front face 528 has theadvantage that the motion detector 530 senses motion associated with aperson's activity in front of the cart dock 520 where, if the display isactivated, the person will see the display.

[0143] In one embodiment, the transmitter/receiver 532 is configured toreceive information or data from a remote location and transmitinformation or data to a remote location. In one embodiment, thetransmitter/receiver 532 comprises a wireless communication interface,such as one implementing an infrared or IEEE 802.11xx wirelesscommunication protocol.

[0144] The transmitter/receiver 532 is mounted to the cart dock 520. Asillustrated, the transmitter/receiver 532 is located at the front face528 of the cart dock 520. The transmitter/receiver 532 may be located inother positions. The location may be chosen to provide the bestcommunication path to a remote base.

[0145] In one embodiment, though not illustrated, thetransmitter/receiver 532 is configured to receive information or datatransmitted from a remote base or station. In the case where the cartdock 520 is located in a store parking lot, the remote base or stationmay be located within the store. In this configuration, a user of theremote base may send data, such as revised control instructions orparticular information to be displayed by the active display 522, to thesystem. For example, the user may enter specific advertising informationand transmit that information to the system. The controller 524 mayprocess the information and then cause the active display 522 to displaythat information. In this arrangement, an operator may easily change theinformation which is displayed.

[0146] The transmitter/receiver 532 may also send information or data tothe remote base or station. For example, in the event of a low battery,malfunction or the like, a signal may be transmitted by thetransmitter/receiver 532 to the remote base or station. The operator maythen effect repairs.

[0147] The system may include a variety of other components or notinclude the components described. For example, the system might includea small solar cell for charging the battery.

[0148] One embodiment of the invention comprises a cart dock andadvertising system. The system includes a plurality of cart docks alongwith at least one base station. The base station may include acontroller, such as a computer, as well as a transmitter/receiver. Thebase station is configured to accept input from a user and transmitdata, such as advertising information, to the cart docks. In oneembodiment, each cart dock may be provided with a unique identificationcode so that information may be directed to a particular cart dock orgroup of cart docks. Also, using the identifier, a signal transmittedfrom a particular cart dock may be used to identify that cart dock,including its location.

[0149] A unique aspect of the cart dock of the present invention is theability of the cart dock to be used as an advertising platform as wellas a useful cart restraining device. As noted above, the cart docks areadapted to be located in parking lots and similar locations where theyare readily visible to customers. The cart docks are visible tocustomers parking their cars, walking through the parking lot orsecuring a cart. Because of the number of cart docks which may belocated in a single parking lot, the total advertising or informationexposure to these customers is tremendous.

[0150] As detailed above and illustrated in the figures, the cart dockof the invention includes one or more surfaces particularly suited toplacement of this information. In particular, the front face of thefirst stop of the cart dock has a substantial horizontal dimension forpresenting text (whether imprinted directly thereon or associated withreplaceable placards or the like). Moreover, the angle of the front faceof the stop is such that the face is directed upwardly and outwardlytowards a customer or other reader, and thus readily visible whether thecustomer is driving a car or walking.

[0151] Because of this unique feature of the invention, businessesemploying the cart dock not only address the problems associated withthe carts but can provide information to their customers. Thisinformation, such as advertising, can be used to generate a revenuestream or increase a revenue stream. For example, a business having cartdocks located in their parking lot may lease advertising space to otherbusinesses, thus generating a new stream of revenue. A business may alsoadvertise on their own cart docks, thus increasing the revenue generatedby consumers at their own business.

[0152] Thus, as one aspect of the invention there is a method ofadvertising comprising locating a cart (or similar device) restrainingstructure in association with a support surface, such as a parking lot.The method includes locating advertising or other information on asurface of the restraining structure. In one or more embodiments, theadvertising or other information may be periodically changed (such as byreplacing a removable placard or cover). In one embodiment, the methodincludes the step of selling or leasing the advertising space.

[0153] In one embodiment, the advertising or other information may bepresented via a display device, such as the active display 522 of thecart dock 520 illustrated in FIG. 16. Advantages of such a displayinclude the ability to present different information at different cartdocks, and to vary the information easily over time. As indicated, inone embodiment, an operator may transmit data from a remote base stationto one or more cart docks and change or update the information which isdisplayed. Another advantage of these displays is that they may bereadable in the dark or in other conditions where printed advertising isless visible.

[0154] Another embodiment of the invention will be described withreference to FIG. 18. As illustrated therein, a cart is configured to bemoved on a support surface 600. As described above, that surface 600 maybe a parking lot. Of course, such surfaces may be constructed from avariety of materials. Generally, the surface 600 is constructed fromasphalt, concrete or a similar durable, continuous hard surface.

[0155] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a depression602 is formed in the surface 600. The depression 602 may have a varietyof configurations. In one embodiment, the depression 602 has a leadingedge 604. The depression 602 has a bottom surface 606. At the leadingedge 604, the bottom surface 606 is preferably at the same level orelevation as the surface 600. The depression 602 also has a rear edge orwall 608. The bottom surface 606 of the depression 602 at the rear edgeor wall 608 is preferably inset or depressed into the surface 600.

[0156] The depression 602 has a first side 610 and a second side 612.Preferably, the distance between the first and second sides 610,612 isgreater than the distance between a pair of wheels of a cart to belocated in the depression 602, permitting the wheels to roll into thedepression 602. Similarly, the distance from the leading edge 604 to therear edge or wall 606 is preferably great enough to accept at least aportion of a wheel of a cart therein.

[0157] In the embodiment illustrated, the bottom surface 606 of thedepression 602 slopes at a generally constant rate from the leading edge604 to the rear edge or wall 608. In one embodiment, the bottom surface606 slopes so that the depth of the bottom surface 606 from the surface600 is approximately 2-4 inches. The depth may be a greater or lesseramount, however, depending on a variety of factors.

[0158] As illustrated, in a preferred embodiment, an advertisingplatform 620 is preferably located in the depression 602. In oneembodiment the advertising platform 620 is a generally planar supportmember having a top surface 622 configured to display advertising 624.The member may be, for example, a generally thin plastic plate. Theadvertising platform 620 is preferably connected to the bottom surface606, such as with adhesive.

[0159] The advertising platform 620 and/or the advertising 624 may varyin size and shape. In one embodiment, the advertising platform 620extends from approximately the first side 610 to the second side 612 ofthe depression 602, and over a substantial portion of the bottom surface606 from the leading edge 604 to the rear edge or wall 608.

[0160] In use, one or more, and preferably two (such as the pair offront or rear) wheels 626 of a cart are rolled into the depression 604.In this position, the cart is secured, as the wheels 626 are containedin the depression 604.

[0161] This embodiment of the invention has numerous advantages. Inareas where snowfall is frequent, snow plows may be used to clear thesurface 600 of snow. This embodiment cart dock does not interfere withthese snow plows (such as the blades or augers thereof), because thecart dock is located below the top of the surface 600.

[0162] In the configuration illustrated, the depression 604 has a smoothsloping bottom surface 606, making it easy to roll the wheels of thecart into and out of the depression 606. In addition, in the preferredembodiment, the cart dock still serves as an advertising platform, withthe user of the dock being exposed to advertising when they engage ordisengage a cart from the depression comprising the dock.

[0163] It will be appreciated that the dock could have otherconfigurations. For example, the depression could have a generally“U”-shaped bottom surface (i.e. having the same shape as the bottom ofthe wheels of the cart). In this configuration, both the leading andsecond or rear edges could be at the same level as the surface, with acentral or intermediate portion of the bottom surface inset into thesurface.

[0164] The edges of the depression could also all be inset into thesurface (instead of sloping from one or more edges, such as the leadingedge). More than one depression could be provided. For example, twospaced depressions could be provided, one for each of the spaced frontor rear wheels of a cart. The depression could include deeper side areasfor the cart wheels and a higher (but still depressed) central sectionupon which the advertising is located.

[0165] In one embodiment, the depression may be much larger and beconfigured to accommodate one of the other cart docks of the invention(such as cart docks 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 or 520 described above, withor without other features disclosed herein, including the advertisingplatform (722) described below). In such embodiment, the depression ispreferably sufficiently large that the cart dock structure may belocated in the depression below the surface 600. In use, the wheel orwheels of the cart would be rolled into the depression and intoengagement with the cart dock structure located therein (such as intothe trough of one of the above-described structures.

[0166] Yet another aspect of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 19and 20. As described above, in one embodiment, cart docks may beassociated with parking spaces in a parking lot or may be otherwiseoriented. Commonly, parking spaces are located on either side of adividing line. In such instance, a cart dock may be provided for eachparking space, the cart docks generally located in opposing positions oneach side of the dividing line.

[0167] In this configuration, cart dock structures may be located inclose proximity to one another in back-to-back orientation. Such aconfiguration is illustrated in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 illustrated oneembodiment where a first cart dock 720 a and a second cart dock 720 bare located in back-to-back orientation. In this embodiment, the cartdocks 720 a,b have a configuration such as that illustrated in FIGS.13-14 and described above, though they may have other configurations inaccordance with the invention as described herein.

[0168] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, anadvertising platform 722 is configured to be located between the cartdocks 720 a,b. In a preferred embodiment, the advertising platform 722spans the space between the cart docks 720 a,b and is supported by thecart docks 720 a,b.

[0169] The advertising platform 722 may have a variety of shapes andsizes. In one embodiment, the platform 722 has approximately the samewidth as the cart docks 720 a,b. In one embodiment, the platform 722 isabout 12-20 inches in depth (i.e. corresponding to the distance betweenthe docks), but it may have a greater or lesser dimension.

[0170] The advertising platform 722 preferably has a top surface 724which is configured to display advertising. The advertising may beprinted on the top surface 724, molded into the surface, or applied tothe surface in other ways, such as by affixing a printed body orsticker. The platform 722 could also include a display, such asdescribed above and illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0171] At least a portion of the top surface 724 is preferably generallyplanar. In the embodiment illustrated, the top surface 724 is acontinuous planar surface which extends generally parallel to a surface(e.g., a parking lot surface or the like) to which the cart docks 720a,b are mounted. The top surface 724 could have various levels orportions, and may oriented other than parallel to the support surface.For example, the top surface 724 could have generally planar first facewhich faces the first cart dock 720 a and a generally planar second facewhich faces the second dock 720 b. In this configuration, the first andsecond faces of the top surface 722 may positioned at an upwardlysloping angle to the surface (the faces meeting at a generally centralridge, in similar fashion to the first stop 326 of the cart dock 320illustrated in FIG. 13). The top surface 724 could also be curved orarch-shaped.

[0172] As described, in a preferred embodiment, the platform 722 ispreferably configured to be connected to the cart docks 720 a,b. In oneembodiment, the platform 722 has a first, a second, a third, and afourth wall 726 a,b,c,d extending downwardly from the top surface 722 atthe edges thereof. In one embodiment, these walls 726 a,b,c,d extenddownwardly from the top surface 722 generally perpendicular thereto.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 20, in the embodiment cart docks 720 a,billustrated, the docks 720 a,b have a second stop 728. As illustrated,platform 722 is configured so it extends over the second stop 728 ofeach dock 720 a,b. In one embodiment, the second and fourth walls 726b,d of the platform 722 are located at the interior of the docks 720a,b.

[0174] Preferably, the platform 722 is mounted so that its top surface724 is at generally the same height at the second stops 728 of the cartdocks 720 a,b. In one embodiment, the walls 726 a,b,c,d each extenddownwardly from the top surface 724 by approximately the same height atthe height of the stops 728, whereby the bottom edges or surfaces of thewalls 726 a,b,c,d (or at least a portion thereof) will rest upon thesupporting surface. Of course, the platform 724 could be much taller tocomprise a raised advertising platform.

[0175] In order for the platform 722 to “overlap” with the stops 728 ofthe cart docks 720 a,b, the second and fourth walls 726 b,d have acut-out through which the upwardly extending stops 728 of the dockets720 a,b may pass or extend. Of course, the platform 722 may have avariety of other configurations for engaging one or more cart docks 720a,b. The configuration may vary, at least in part, depending on theconfiguration of the cart dock or docks which the platform 722 is to beconnected.

[0176] It is preferred that the platform be removable from the cartdocks. The platform may be connected with fasteners to ensure that theplatform does not unintendedly become disconnected from its supportingdocks. The platform could be molded with one or more docks, however, andbe integral therewith.

[0177] As illustrated, one or more ribs or legs 730 may extenddownwardly at the interior of the platform 722 to provide support forthe top surface 724 thereof. For example, in a parking lot environment,people may step upon the platform 722. So that the platform 722 does notcollapse, the one or more ribs or legs 730 preferably aid in supportingthe top surface 724.

[0178] Of course, a wide variety of other configurations of the platformare contemplated. For example, the platform could be configured to belocated between (and not engage or be directly supported by) a pair ofcart docks or simply extend from or connect to one cart dock.

[0179] Once again, advertising or other content is preferably displayedon or at the platform 722. Information, such as text, may be printedupon the platform. Stickers, labels or other printed materials may beconnected to the top surface 724 of the platform. Of course, a displaydevice could be connected to or supported by the platform. For example,an LCD type display as described above could be integrated into theplatform and be used to display information.

[0180] Use and operation of the cart docks are as described above. Inthis embodiment, however, the platform provides an information bearingsurface which is visible to the users of the dock(s), both generally andwhen a user is placing a cart in or removing a cart from an associateddock. When considering a parking lot having multiple cart docks andassociated platforms, the platforms represent a significant surface areaupon which advertising or other information may be displayed.

[0181] The advertising or information bearing aspects of the invention,including the various faces or surfaces of the embodiments of the cartdocks and the advertising platform as just described, are significant.The ability to associate advertising with the invention allows theinvention to be a revenue generating platform at the same time asaddressing the cart retaining issues described above.

[0182]FIG. 19 also illustrates an additional aspect of the invention. Asillustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cart docks 720 a, b includes arecess 731 in a front face 730 of a first stop 328. As described above,advertising or other information may be displayed in that location.

[0183] As illustrated in FIG. 20, the advertising or other informationmay be supported by an advertising insert 750. The insert 750 preferablycomprises a supporting member for displaying the advertising or otherinformation through the recess 731. In one embodiment, a side portion ofthe first stop is open, allowing the insert 750 to be slid in and outfrom under the first stop. As illustrated, the insert 750 may includemeans for inserting and removing it from the cart dock, such as acut-out for gripping the insert 750.

[0184] The insert 750 has a top surface which is preferably aligned withthe recess 731 when the insert 750 is located under the front stop. Inone embodiment, the insert 750 has generally the same shape as the frontstop, but is smaller, so as to fit under the first stop. In thisconfiguration, the insert 750 has a front face which extends at the sameangle as the recess 731.

[0185] The insert 750 may be constructed of a wide variety of materials.In one embodiment, the insert 750 is constructed from plastic. Asindicated above, advertising or other information may be associated withthe insert.

[0186] The insert 750 has a number of advantages. As described above, itmay be desirable to affix the cart dock to the surface. The ability ofuser to remove the insert 750 allows the user to change the advertisingor other information while the cart dock remains affixed to the ground.

[0187] Of course, a variety of the features of any of the cart docks20,120,220,320,420,520 may be employed with the other, producing a widevariety of configurations thereof.

[0188] It will be understood that the above described arrangements ofapparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative ofapplications of the principles of this invention and many otherembodiments and modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

I claim:
 1. A securing structure for one or more wheeled cartscomprising: a first cart securing structure, said structure including afirst top and a second stop, said first and second stops comprisingraised areas, said first and second stops spaced from one another by atrough configured to accept at least one wheel of a wheeled carttherein; a second cart securing structure, said structure including afirst top and a second stop, said first and second stops comprisingraised areas, said first and second stops spaced from one another by atrough configured to accept at least one wheel of a wheeled carttherein; said first and second cart securing structures spaced from oneanother; and an advertising platform positioned between and engagingsaid first and second cart securing structures.
 2. The structure inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said first stop of each of said firstand second cart securing structures includes an upwardly sloping frontface and where said first and second cart securing structures areoriented so that said front faces thereof face in generally opposingdirections.
 3. The structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidadvertising platform defines a generally planar top surface.
 4. Thestructure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said platform has a firstend defined by a first wall and a second end defined by a second wall,said first wall located between said first and second stop of said firstcart securing structure and said second wall located between said firstand second stop of said second cart securing structure.
 5. A securingstructure for one or more wheels carts comprising: a support surface,said surface having a depression formed therein, said depression havinga first edge and a second end and a bottom surface, said bottom surfacebeing at the same elevation as a top of said support surface at saidfirst edge and said bottom surface inset below said top of said supportsurface at said second edge, said depression configured to accept atleast one wheel therein, at least one advertising platform located onsaid depression, said advertising platform including at least onesurface bearing printed advertising or other information.
 6. Thesecuring structure in accordance with claim 5 wherein said depression isformed as an elongate trough configured to accept two spaced wheels ofsaid cart.
 7. The securing structure in accordance with claim 5 whereinsaid advertising platform is connected to said surface.